All Guides

Open Burning Guides

Everything you need to know about burning legally, safely, and responsibly.

Rules

Leaves, brush, and yard debris vs. the materials that are illegal everywhere — complete national guide.

Urgent

After a hurricane or tornado: what's burnable, what's not, and whether permits are waived.

Air Quality

How air quality districts set daily burn day status and what it means for your permit.

Exemptions

Campfires, cooking fires, and recreational fire pits — exactly when you don't need a permit.

Penalties

Real fines by state, air quality penalties, and wildfire suppression cost liability.

Safety

Setback distances, pile sizes, wind limits, water supply, and the fire watch protocol.

Rural

How rules differ for rural and farm property — and agricultural burning exemptions.

HOA

When your HOA prohibition overrides your state permit — and when it doesn't.

Seasonal

Regional windows for legal, safe burning and the periods to avoid.

Reporting

Who to call and what to expect when a neighbor is burning illegally.